Jetboil Coffee Press

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

I've been doing this for a looong time now, and this kit makes the best camping/hiking coffee I have ever had...bar none. I received my JetBoil PCS with coffee press kit as soon as it was released, and I have zero complaints about any of it - which is a first for me.

As mentioned in previous reviews, a coffee press is *not* your standard coffee maker - the coffee from this press is generally far stronger than a drip coffee maker, and most importantly it will retain the oils from the coffee beans that are usually left behind by paper-filter machines. The coffee grounds *must* be as coarse as possible for a coffee press to work correctly - I believe this to be the number one reason for poor reviews of this and similar products.

Secondly, the quantity of coarsely ground coffee in addition to the proper steeping time will also greatly affect the quality of the finished coffee. Although there are numerous formulae for "perfect" coffee from a french coffee press, you will probably need to play with these variables in order to find YOUR perfect cup of coffee.

Thirdly, and very, VERY important - do NOT boil your water prior to adding your coffee grounds! The water should be as close to boiling as possible, however. You will be able to tell a distinct difference between coffee made with boiling water (incorrect) as opposed to very, very hot water (correct).

If you love coffee and take the time to learn how to properly use a french coffee press, I sincerely believe you will fall in love with this product.

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

This accessory makes the slight extra weight of the jeboil (compared to a gigapower and snow peak titanium combo) worthwhile to me. If you practice with it at home a bit before your trip you can get incredible tasting coffee and avoid the grinds. This accessory does not take the skills of a barista but I am seriously thinking about doing a youtube video to demonstrate for the many people that have purchased it and had less than desirable results.

It has been mentioned many times, but GRIND COARSE! I have a burr grinder that gives me a uniform and coarse grind. If you have a whirlybird style grinder you will get a varied grind and the fine stuff will make it through the sides. Buying drip grind Folger's or similar will also result in grinds escaping. Crushing the coffee campside in an Aloksak/Opsak has also worked for me but I have to carry more coffee (weight) as the larger pieces have less surface area exposed.

Assemble the filter with the FINS DOWN(opposite direction of the picture above). It is a little harder to start the filter on the shaft thread but it does work. With the fins as the leading edge, the grounds have less opportunity to wiggle through.

Ensure the Jetboil lid is on tightly and push the plunger down SLOWLY.

I typically share the Jetboil PCS mug full with several people and start it boiling again while sipping my first cup. Beside the convenience it is also the quickest way to get fresh brewed coffee in the backcountry. (No way am I using that coffee extract stuff.)

I would like to read people's hints for dealing with the grounds; I haven't found and easy and clean way to get them out to pack out.

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

Several reviewers complain that the press does not adequately separate out the grounds. It's very simple to use and effective if you use a course grind AND assemble it correctly. The REI photo is INCORRECT. The base should be screwed on with the wide part of the press facing DOWN. All problems are solved.

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

Okay, first, as stated above, this is not a coffee filter. If you are picky about a few grounds in your coffee, shut up and buy instant... the only way you will have nice hot fresh coffee on the trail is either a percolator, a java press, or making it cowboy style. This one works great, if you take a few things into account.

1. Coarse grounds are best... fine will pass through the gaps on the sides of the press screen.

2. If you have never made coffee without a coffee maker, practice first! This is different than making a set amount of coffee that has the hot water flow through it only once. It will taste different too, and it may take much more or less coffee than you are used to to make it taste right.

3. Probably the most important, make sure when u set it up that the screen is up and the small ribs are down. This will create a much better seal between the plunger and the side of the cup, resulting in fewer grounds in the coffee. It will also create a cup effect, giving the grounds a little more room at the bottom.

I've made gallons of coffee with this guy, and had very few complaints on the trail.

Without a paper filter, no coffee maker is perfect. Practice makes perfect!

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

I truly believe any bad reviews for this little guy are most likely "user error"..like someone trying to play a song on a guitar..but they are not skilled at guitar..when the song goes bad..they blame the guitar..

I am skilled at coffee techniques..have a nice espresso machine and high-end Mazzer grinder..

How to use this baby:
mostly like the JetBoil instructions read..
Step-By-Step:
Bring 16 oz water to temp..not rolling boil..temp..I go up to 190F..
(you can go to boil..then wait for it to cool down below 200F..I like 190F for the brew process)..
turn off burner..remove cup and put in burner cozy..
find flat surface..
I make 16 ozs at a time so..
stir in 4 tbs course coffee grounds into water(Course as my grinder goes without lifting the stop)..
let it sit for around 3 minutes..
assemble the press..plunger fingers down..stem though the hole in the lid..(the hole in the lid stabilizes the press so it can't tilt)..
push real slow straight down till the press reaches the bottom and the handle mates with the lid..
{the handle cone shape matches the lids countersunk hole)..
Now gently pour the coffee out into a cup w/ lid still on..enjoy..
I did this method..then poured it through a sieve(filter) I use for staining water..but it was meant be used with coffee..
Barely any grain matter gets through the press and shows up on the sieve{a few is normal on any French press)..
and if you pour through a sieve or coffee filter the cup will be as clean as drip coffee..

Possible Fails:
Using the press like a plunger..up and down..you will get grain blow-by..
Too fast down is no good either..this makes back pressure and turbulance..
this little guy is only meant to trap the grains..not work them..the more you spin-um around..the more will get by..
so cowboy up if you go fast..and enjoy the grainfest..
Boiling Water..too hot can radically change flavor and not for the good..steep..not boil..
Can is out of round..
if your JB container has got smashed in the pack and is no longer round then lots of blow-by..
(doesn't have to be much out-of-round either)..
Piston fingers upside down..they point down..or you'll have lots of grains..

Bottom line..worked for me as advertised..the coffee flavor is really good by any coffee standard..great accessory to the JetBoil Flash and PCS..it's not meant for the Sol..but I bet you could get it to work if Sol has same diam cup{not sure)..the handle just wouldn't mate with the lid..hope this helps some..
0.8oz(23g) pack wt & no space loss(fits in cup assy)..for delicious morning coffee..me likey.. {:^)>

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

The french press is a great idea but not as functional as I would have hoped. When using it like a normal french press, I find its difficult to near impossible to keep the coffee grinds from moving around the edges of the press and resuspending in the coffee. Instead I've taken to using it more as a reverse french press. I put the basket all the way down and add the coffee grinds on top. When I want the coffee I simply pull up on the basket to remove the grinds.
With all things considered, I wouldn't recomend this product to anyone unless you just have to have fresh brewed coffee.

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

The thing works. Sure it let's some of the coffee ground in from the sides, but sometimes you just can't have your cup of coffee and drink it too! o.0 What I did was pushed the sides out and set a line of super glue on the edges to seal the openings. It helped. Overall, look sky!

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

I love my morning coffee. In the pass I have used the single filter coffee, you just add water to, while backpacking. Getting ready for the AT I decided to purchase the french press for my jet boil. To my surprise it was very easy to use and made a great cup of coffee very quickly. MUCH better than the single filters.

It is a little harder to clean but so is a home french press. If I had one con it's a little pricey. However, I'm willing to pay the deference for a better cup of coffee.

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

I don't know what the problem is... This thing gives me my most important survival tool- good, fresh coffee! I have used all kinds of grinds and have not had one issue. Nay sayers- the backcountry is not Starbucks! A couple grinds never killed anyone. At least to my knowledge.
One question tho- a few people commented that the picture was incorrect. That the fins "should" be down... Aren't they down in the picture?

Comments about Jetboil Coffee Press:

This accessory along with the Jetboil is a take everywhere appliance. Making coffee cannot be easier.